All theory, dear friend, is gray, but the golden tree of life springs ever green. - Goethe

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Daniel Fast for Lent

I usually give up something for Lent. Growing up Catholic, it was just the thing to do (yes, I do realize there are reasons behind it...). Typically it was coffee, caffeine, chocolate or TV. In all honesty, it was never a huge challenge and not much of a time of sacrifice and self-reflection. This year I decided to do something different. I have been feeling a little directionless and unfocused both spiritually and in general life/living. There have been a lot of losses lately and they have weighed heavily on me. In addition to the deaths, several friends have moved away and I feel the hole they have left acutely. I need to make a conscientious effort to figure out how to become more centered.

I was reading in the local paper about how many Christians are doing the Daniel Fast. It combines very healthy/clean eating with daily devotions. This really appealed to me. I like the whole-food aspect to it, but appreciate the daily spiritual component. I decided to use The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory as a guide. While this book's daily devotional might not appeal to a lot of UUs, they are something you could use as a springboard to deepen your own theology. This won't be easy, but it isn't meant to be. I will keep you posted.